How to Teach Your High Schooler Academic Responsibility

Halfway through the semester, you will most certainly hear your teenager admit some bad grades to you, and just know that is perfectly normal. Most teenagers get their disappointing grades somewhere in the middle of the school year – it’s always been like that. So, if you feel that your teenager is lacking the academic responsibility or think that they are not into schooling at all (and are, naturally, a bit worried about that), take a look at this list as it can help you get them on the right track.

1. Know that times have changed

One of the most important things you need to know is that times change, and that the schooling system is not the same as it used to be back when we were students. Many parents fail to realize this, and thus fail to understand their teenagers’ grades. Make sure you never compare your child with yourself, as this is never a good idea. Rather, accept the fact that the whole process is very different now and give tips on what you would do if you were at school, as they would appreciate that approach more.

2. Be proactive

Even though many psychologists say that emphasizing the importance of education at home is crucial, it doesn’t have to give any tangible results. However, making sure your teenager is organized and knows how to make use of their time is, perhaps, more important. There are many smartphone applications that can help you organize your time well, so do some research, and suggest some of these to your high schooler. Know that everything in this day and age is connected to smartphones and applications, so it’s important that your child understands you know this.

Be proactive

3. Motivate your teenager

Nothing can motivate a teenager more than when you tell them that, sometimes, it’s OK to fail and make mistakes. Presenting yourself as more of a counselor to your high schooler rather than a parent with extremely high expectations can boost your child’s motivation. Many teenagers are scared of their parent’s reaction when it comes to bad grades, so they usually avoid reporting their grades. As long as you encourage an atmosphere in which it is perfectly normal to say that you failed (from time to time), you can prevent this from happening.

4. Encourage asking for academic help

One can never know what behavior to expect from adolescents, and what state of mind the period brings. That is why many teenagers close themselves off and refuse to talk, not only about life problems, but about school problems as well. Try to change this with a friendly approach. Make sure that your child knows they can always ask you for help if they want to, and that you are always there for them. Encourage your child to ask help from others as well, such as the school counselor, or other members of your family. If they are finishing high-school now, they will definitely need help in acquiring all the needed information for the steps that follow. Moreover, there is always the option of checking out comprehensive VCE study notes that can help a lot when preparing for the final tests, and thus make the whole process simpler.

Encourage asking for academic help

5. Be tolerant

Lastly, know the emotional state of your high schooler. Even though this is not connected to the academic responsibility per se, it can help a lot. Drugs, drinking, bullying, and romantic relationships are just some of the things your teenager might be facing, and note down that they know about these things better than you. Be somewhat tolerant of the stories you hear and the things they do. Teach them how drugs differ one from another, or what the difference between drinking a couple of bottles of beer and vodka is. If you manage to do this, talking about academic expectations will definitely not be a problem.

The point is – be friends with your high schooler, because this will make them more proactive and assertive. Don’t make a mistake of trying to fix your own academic failures by being too strict and intolerant – your teenager will see through you and they won’t be very happy about it. Talk openly, give examples from your life and, in that way, encourage them to want to be successful in the future.

About Claire:

Claire is a personal and professional development expert who believes that positive attitude is one of the keys to success. You can find her online writing and giving tips about lifestyle and development as a regular contributor to highstylife.com.

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I'm a 30-something, wife and mom of two teenage boys living in the beautiful state of Virginia. This is a parenting blog that has great kid's book reviews, fun gift ideas, and honest product reviews from the perspective of a creative mom. So pull up a chair and have a seat and stay awhile :) Read More…

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